November 8, 2022
Is Your Car Battery About to Give Up on You?
Photo by Sergey Meshkov under Pexels License
Picture this: You’re running late for work, hopped into your car, put your key in the ignition, turn it, and you hear nothing. Your car doesn’t move even after a few more attempts. That’s when you realize that you have a dead battery.
So, how do you stop this from happening? What can you do to prevent your battery from dying, especially if you’re driving in the middle of nowhere? Simple: Pay attention to red flags.
The good news is that you’ll know when your battery is on the verge of failing before it does, thanks to the telltale signs it gives. By recognizing any of those signs, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck somewhere. Veteran Car Donations shares seven of the most common signs of a weak battery:
- Slow crank
An engine that takes time to crank may be telling you that your battery is close to dying. If you notice that your engine is cranking more slowly than usual, contact your mechanic as soon as you can. They’ll know if what your car needs is simply a new battery or if there’s another issue involved.
- Clicking noise when turning the key
If the engine fails to crank, the car will normally make a rapid clicking sound, which indicates that your battery’s power is no longer sufficient to crank the engine.
- Dim headlights
Headlights that appear dimmer and duller than normal suggest that there’s not enough power left to keep them on. Once you notice your headlights aren’t as bright as they used to be, it’s time to get a battery check.
- Bad smell
If you smell something similar to sulfur or rotten eggs while starting your car and opening the hood, there’s a huge chance that it’s coming from your battery. A leaking battery usually causes this nasty odor. As for the cause of the leak, the battery may already be too old, or there’s an internal short-circuit, or there’s external damage to the battery case or terminals.
- Electrical problems
Most cars today come with electronic accessories, including power windows, power seats, headlights, dashboard lights, and windshield wipers — all of which require electricity from your car’s battery to function. If any of these parts start to malfunction, a weak battery is the likeliest culprit.
- Disfigured battery case
Extreme cold or heat may cause your battery case to deform. It may swell, bulge, or crack, which can cause battery acid to leak out. If your battery is already deformed, replace it immediately. Discard the old battery properly or ask your mechanic to help you recycle it.
- Old battery
While a car battery typically lasts around four to five years, its lifespan can decline if it is constantly exposed to extreme temperatures among other factors. As soon as your battery hits the four-year mark, get it tested to see how much power it still has. If you’re not sure of its age, look for its manufacture date on the battery case.
Support Our Struggling Veterans with a Vehicle Donation
If a new battery is not the only thing that your car needs to start running well again, if it needs major repairs that will cost you a fortune, perhaps it’s time to give it up and simply buy a new one. Don’t worry, you can still make good use of your old ride when you donate it to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged and struggling veterans in your local area. They include those who are suffering from poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, and serious illnesses, including mental health issues.
After having your auto fixed, our team will sell it through an auction and use the proceeds to support the life improvement programs of our veteran-focused charity partners. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding we give them to provide deserving veterans with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, and other services meant to improve their living conditions.
Your participation in our vehicle donation program will enable you to enjoy a fast and free towing service anywhere in the United States. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
However, these material rewards pale in comparison to the deep sense of personal satisfaction you’ll experience, knowing that you’ll be giving back to our distinguished veterans — those heroic men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our nation’s freedoms and ensure our security.
We accept nearly all types of vehicles whatever their ages or conditions.
For more information about our vehicle donation program, you may browse through our FAQs page. Send us a message here if you have any concerns or inquiries, or give us a call anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822.
Our Heroes Need Your Help Today!
Photo by George Pak under Pexels License
Your unwanted car can help our hurting heroes in their journey toward a better life. Show them how grateful you are for their invaluable service to our nation with your vehicle donation. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023